At least 15 people have been killed in what has been described as a freak accident in the Eastern Cape.

Among the dead are a baby and a toddler.

According to the provincial Transport Department’s spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, a truck hit a stray animal on the N9 in Middelburg and the driver lost control of the vehicle. During this a trailer overturned and landed on top of a passing minibus taxi. All those who died were passengers in the taxi, which was heading to the Western Cape.

The driver of the truck escaped with minor injuries.